Houston Texans Pick Up O-Line Depth in First Round

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Houston Texans traded up two spots in the first round Thursday night to select Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge with the 26th overall pick, citing his physical style and makeup as key reasons for the move.

Executive vice president and general manager Nick Caserio said the organization identified Rutledge early in the process as a top target.

"Toughness, violence, physicality," Caserio said at the podium after the pick. "The guy wants to step on your throat on every play, which I would say sort of embodies what our football team is about. The way we play. Intense. Violent. Physical. We're going to run the football this year."

Houston moved up from No. 28 in a trade with the Buffalo Bills to secure Rutledge, whom Caserio said graded highly across multiple internal categories, particularly in character and competitiveness.

Rutledge began his collegiate career at Middle Tennessee State before transferring to Georgia Tech, where he became a two-time first-team All-ACC selection under head coach Brent Key.

Caserio said Rutledge’s exact role along the offensive line — whether at guard, center or elsewhere — will be determined later.

Rutledge spent draft night in a low-key setting with his wife, a contrast to larger draft celebrations.

The Texans hold picks No. 38 and No. 59 entering the second and third rounds Friday.